The Counseling Center is staffed by three full-time and two part-time, licensed mental health professionals; six part-time doctoral practicum therapists, three part-time master's practicum therapists; and two part-time clinic assistants.

Please note email is not a secure method of communication and confidentiality cannot be ensured. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, contact the Counseling Center at 502.272.8480. If no one is available to answer your call or if it is after standard hours of operation (Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.), please dial “2” on our voicemail menu to speak to an on-call counselor. Public Safety can also help you access emergency services and can be reached at 502.272.7777. You may also contact 988 (988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline) or go to your local emergency room. 

Gary Petiprin, Ph.D.
Associate Dean of Students / Counseling Center Director

Gary Petiprin HeadshotGary (email) is a licensed psychologist with more than 20 years of professional experience working in college and university counseling centers. He received his doctorate in Counseling Psychology in 1993 from Indiana State University and his bachelor’s degree in Psychology and master’s degree in Community Counseling at Oklahoma State University. He has worked at the University of Louisville Counseling Center as a staff psychologist and served as the Counseling Center Director at East Tennessee State University (1998-2004) and Hanover College (2004-2007). His areas of interest include gender issues; multicultural and LGBT issues; substance abuse; sexual assault and suicide prevention.

Gary’s passions include camping and exploring the national parks, hiking, golfing, music (ABBA to Zeppelin), pinball, and traveling.

Marlana Bragg, Psy.D.
Associate Director for Clinical Services

Marlana Bragg HeadshotMarlana (Email) is a licensed psychologist and joined the Bellarmine University Counseling Center team in January 2020. She earned her doctorate in Clinical Psychology in 2013 from Spalding University and her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Shawnee State University (2007). Marlana comes from a generalist training program in which she was trained to work with a variety of different clients in many different settings. While in graduate school, Marlana was a practicum student at Bellarmine University (2011-2012). Marlana’s pre-doctoral internship was at the Southern Louisiana Internship Consortium, where her major rotation was at Louisiana State University’s counseling center (2012-2013). Upon earning her doctorate, Marlana spent the first 6 years of her career working at the Kentucky Correctional Institution for Women, where she was the program administrator of a co-occurring disorders program. This experience shaped her interests, but she remained passionate about working with students in higher education. Her areas of interest include trauma; gender issues; eating concerns; multicultural and LGBT issues; substance abuse and other addictive and self-destructive behaviors.

When she’s not in the Counseling Center, Marlana enjoys making memories with her family and friends, trying new restaurants, spending time outdoors, listening to music, and cheering on the Bengals (Who Dey!).

Brianna Roberson, M.A. Ed., LPCC
Staff Counselor: Multicultural Focus

Brianna Roberson

Brianna is a licensed processional clinical counselor and joined the Bellarmine University Counseling Center team in June 2023. She earned her master’s degree in Counseling in 2021 and bachelors in Psychology in 2017 both at Western Kentucky University. Brianna has always had the desire to work with individuals improving their self-awareness, interpersonal relationships and cultural understanding. Post graduate school Brianna worked in Outpatient Treatment for substance abuse with a diverse population assessing co-occurring disorders, trauma and relationship dynamics. Brianna’s areas of interest include mental health, multicultural and LBGTQ issues, substance abuse, trauma and expressive therapy. 

In Brianna’s free time she enjoys going to hot yoga, jamming out to Drake and Summer Walker, trying new restaurants, and spending time with family and friends.

Part-Time Staff

Abbie Bordewyk, M.Ed. LPA
Staff Counselor

Abbie_023 Abbie is a licensed psychological associate and a current doctoral candidate in the University of Louisville's counseling psychology Ph.D. program. She earned her Master of Education (M.Ed.) degree in counseling and personnel services from the University of Louisville (2020) as well as Bachelor of Arts degrees in psychology and English from Augustana University (SD; 2018).

Abbie joined BUCC in August 2021; first as a practicum therapist through December 2022 and then then as a part-time staff counselor in January 2023. She specializes in working with student-athletes but enjoys work with all BU students, striving to walk alongside as clients discover the values that drive what healing and holistic well-being means to them. Abbie's areas of interest include anxiety & mood disorders, academic success/ADHD, trauma, disordered eating, and multicultural, identity, & systemic topics/issues.


Her hobbies include playing sand volleyball, listening to music, playing the violin, playing video games, spending time outside, watching sports, and spending time with her family (especially her husband and her dog).

 

Partnership with Collective Care Center Racial Trauma Clinic

Since the fall of 2023, the Bellarmine University Counseling Center has partnered with the Collective Care Center (CCC) Racial Trauma Clinic to serve as a satellite site to provide free racial trauma therapy. Practicum students working at BUCC through CCC will have been trained in evidence-based racial trauma treatment and receiving on-going supervision through CCC from a psychologist, who is also trained in racial trauma therapy. The practicum student will also be supervised by Brianna Roberson, LPCC, BUCC Staff Counselor: Multicultural Focus.

CCC Practicum Therapist:
David Davis, M.S.

David HeadshotHey there! I am originally from Montgomery, Alabama. I graduated from Auburn University at Montgomery with Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in psychology. My clinical interests include the biological aspects of psychology, sports psychology, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and interpersonal therapy. Ultimately, my primary goal in the field of psychology is to "change the world." By that I mean, each of the people that I work with is an individual that has lived a life full of unique experiences; therefore, I believe the best way to “change the world” is to have a positive and healing impact on the individual “worlds” of each person with whom I will work. In my free time, I enjoy playing video games, practicing martial arts, outdoor recreation, spending quality time with friends, and playing/watching various sports. I particularly enjoy any Atlanta professional sports, the UFC, and all Auburn athletics. WAR EAGLE!

Training Program 2024-25

The Bellarmine University Counseling Center provides training to doctoral and master’s graduate students. Our practicum therapists come from various backgrounds and training programs. Our currents students are from the following programs: Spalding University (School of Professional Psychology) and the University of Louisville (Counseling Psychology and Clinical Mental Health Counseling). Practicum therapists are supervised by the Counseling Center licensed staff members.

Practicum therapists serve the Bellarmine University campus community by providing individual and group therapeutic services, psychological assessments, liaison relationships to campus organizations, and general outreach programming. We are pleased to have the following practicum therapist joining the Counseling Center for the 2024-2025 academic year:

Practicum Therapists

Rena Andrews, M.A.

Rena headshotRena is a fourth-year doctoral student in Clinical Psychology working towards their Psy.D. from Spalding University's School of Professional Psychology. Rena obtained their bachelor's in arts of psychology from Indiana University Southeast, and their Masters of Arts in Clinical Psychology from Spalding University. Before coming to Bellarmine's Counseling Center, Rena has worked with adolescents and adults experiencing struggles with anxiety, depression, life/school adjustment, eating concerns, trauma, neurodivergence, and gender-related concerns. They've also enjoyed working with traditional and non-traditional students related to academic concerns. When not working with clients, Rena enjoys playing games (video, board, and Dungeons and Dragons), baking, music, and spending time with their fiancé, friends, and cat. 

Jeremy Brog, M.A.

Rena headshotJeremy is a practicum therapist pursuing a doctorate in Clinical Psychology at Spalding  University with a Lifespan emphasis. He is from St. Louis, MO and earned a bachelor's   degree in psychology at Carleton College, where he competed in table tennis achieving an impressive losing record. He has previously worked in an ABA clinic for children with Autism and as a practicum therapist at IUS and Nur Islamic School. Jeremy's areas of interest include depression, multiculturalism, grief, and emerging adulthood. Outside of his studies, Jeremy is a comic book and gaming enthusiast and enjoys skiing, hiking, traveling, and admiring his charming beagle, Arlee.

Sarah Denunzio, B.S.

Sarah DenunzioSarah is currently earning her master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling at the University of Louisville. She graduated from Purdue University in 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a minor in sociology. Sarah worked at Hopebridge where she provided ABA therapy for children with Autism; she also worked at Peace Hospital. Sarah’s areas of interest are wide and include couples and romantic relationships, anxiety, depression, and trauma. Outside of school, Sarah likes to take her cat (Leroy) for walks, as well as cook and garden!  

Olivia Hatfield, B.A.

OliviaOlivia is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology at the University of Louisville. She earned her bachelor's degree in Psychology from The University of Akron in 2021. Some of Olivia's clinical areas of interest include interpersonal dynamics, identity exploration, depressive and anxiety disorders, trauma, and systemic/multicultural topics. Outside of school, she enjoys antiquing, trying new restaurants, and playing with her cats.

Maggie Marsano, M.S.

Maggie MarsanoMaggie is a third-year doctoral student in clinical psychology at Spalding University's School of Professional Psychology. She currently holds a bachelor's degree in English from the University of New Hampshire and a Master of Science in clinical psychology from Rivier University. Maggie has worked with kids and adolescents in several schools and has enjoyed working with Bellarmine students since January of 2023 as a practicum therapist. Maggie's areas of interest are wide and include anxiety, adjustment, depression, and multicultural issues. Outside the therapy room, Maggie enjoys walks in nature, cooking, reading, playing guitar badly and spending time with family and friends.

Kurtis Stegman, M.A.

Kurtis headshot Kurtis is currently pursuing his PsyD in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Neuropsychology from Spalding University's School of Professional Psychology. Kurtis obtained his master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Spalding University, and his undergraduate degree in Psychology, with a minor in Studio Art, from the University of Louisville. In the past, Kurtis has worked in community mental health and private practice clinical settings. Some of Kurtis' areas of interest include anxiety and related disorders, depression, and neuropsychological disorders. When out of office and class, you can find Kurtis playing pickleball, going to the movies, and cheering for the Cincinnati Bengals!

Ryan Sweet, BA

Ryan Sweet Ryan has served as a Counseling Center Practicum Therapist since August 2023. He is currently pursuing a degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of Louisville and expects to graduate in December 2024. Originally from Southern California, Ryan has called Louisville, Kentucky home for the past nine years. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Studio Art from the University of Redlands in California and has previously worked as a graphic designer and quality manager in manufacturing before transitioning to a career in therapy. Ryan's therapeutic approach is rooted in person-centered, cognitive-behavioral methods. He is actively working to integrate animal-assisted therapy into his practice, a goal demonstrated by his recent adoption of Obsidian, his future therapeutic canine partner.

Omar Vasquez, M.Ed., M.A.

Omar VasquezOmar is currently pursuing his Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology from Spalding University’s School of Professional Psychology. Omar earned his Master’s degree in Counseling with a specialization in Sport Psychology from Boston University and completed his Bachelor's degree in Psychology at UC Berkeley. Clinically, Omar has worked in multiple settings including community-based, college counseling, eating disorder treatment, and private practice settings. Some of Omar’s clinical areas of interest include working with anxiety and related disorders, mood disorders, body image and disordered eating. Omar also has experience working with collegiate student-athletes with both clinical and sport performance related challenges. Omar is a Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC) through the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP). When he is not in the office or in class, Omar enjoys being outside, watching movies especially comedies, watching sports, and trying new restaurants.

Mental Health Advocate Interns

The Bellarmine University Counseling Center has an undergraduate internship program. This fall we have Bellarmine students joining our team. The Mental Health Advocate Interns will develop and provide programming related to mental health topics and will help with existing mental health events. The Mental Health Advocate Interns will also be available for peer support consultations.

Current Interns

Patrick Lynch

PatrickPatrick is a peer mental health advocate, completing an internship with the BUCC. He is a junior at Bellarmine majoring in psychology and health humanities. Some of his hobbies include spending time with friends and family, as well as reading.   

 

Linh Nguyen

Linh headshotLinh is a peer mental health advocate, completing an internship with the BUCC. She is a senior at Bellarmine majoring in psychology with a minor in sociology. Linh’s hobbies include reading, writing, listening to music, and going on walks. 

 

Clinic Assistants 

DeLinda Garvin Taylor

delinda